Animal cruelty and irresponsible behavior is not limited to the NFL. Now it's affected Major League Baseball with two players, Mets pitcher Pedro Martinez and Giants Hall of Famer Juan Marichal, shown in a YouTube video releasing two roosters for a cockfight.It's happening in the Dominican Republic where the activity is legal and, just like Japanese whaling, a "cultural tradition."
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals sent letters to both pitchers Thursday, calling on them to publicly apologize. The Humane Society of the United States said, "Major League Baseball should join us in condemning Martinez and Marichal for their shameful example."
"I understand that people are upset, but this is part of our Dominican culture and is legal," Martinez said in a statement issued by the Mets. "I was invited by my idol, Juan Marichal, to attend the event as a spectator, not as a participant."
In the video, which was posted Tuesday but has since been taken down "due to terms of use violation," the animal released by Martinez appears to be killed at a fight in the Santo Domingo Cockfighting Coliseum.
PETA also sent a letter to baseball Commissioner Bud Selig urging all major-league players and staff to take its animal sensitivity training course.
Sensitivity training? Dream on. Here's what PETA got instead.....
The Mets said in a statement that while they don't condone the sport, they understand it is part of other countries' cultures.
Photo by ireallylovecake.
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